Never Let Them See That They Get To You
Nick sat crying outside the meeting place of the local Junior Ranger Scouts. A muzzle lay in front of him on the ground where he had thrown it after ripping it off. He wiped at his eyes, trying to get rid of the evidence of his crying when he heard someone approaching.
"Everything okay, little one?" A red vixen knelt down in front of him. She held out a white handkerchief to the little kit.
Nick shook his head and accepted the handkerchief. He was still too upset to talk so the vixen sat down and wrapped her arms around him.
"There, there. Calm down and tell Auntie Miriam all about it," she murmured softly, gently running her hand over the red kit's fur. She let out a soft noise that sounded almost like a purr and succeeded in calming down the child.
"They hate me," he hiccuped, wiping the remaining tears away with Miriam's handkerchief. "They think because I'm a fox that I can't be trusted. They put a muzzle on me." With the confession, Nick started crying again. He buried his face in Miriam's shoulder.
Miriam sighed and pulled Nick closer to her. "Oh, sweetie. I'm so sorry."
"An' Mama saved up for a long to time to buy me a brand-new uniform. But it was for nothing! I'm never gonna be a Junior Ranger Scout!" Nick wailed in defeat.
Miriam said nothing for a few moments, just holding the young fox close. "It's going to be okay, Nicky. You're too good for them, anyway."
"I know, but I wanted to join so bad, Auntie. It's not fair!" Nick's shoulders shook with the force of his sobs.
Miriam's eyes started to tear up in sorrow over her nephew's plight. "Shh, baby. I know. I hate to say it, but life isn't fair. But you know what?"
Nick looked up at his aunt, a slight shine of curiosity in his eyes overpowering the sadness.
Miriam smiled and leaned down to whisper in Nick's ear, "Never let them see that they get to you. You'll only give them what they want." She then let go of Nick and stood up. "Now, how about we get you home to your mama? Maybe we can see if the store is still open and pick up some blueberries. That sound good?"
Nick smiled and nodded. Blueberries were his favorite and always made him feel better. So did his mama's hugs. "Yes, please!" He grabbed Miriam's hand and skipped alongside her.
Hey y'all! Nothing new (yet), just a smidge of editing! ~Shado ^_^
